Merkel heads for pub in Brisbane

By AFP

Nov 15, 2014 00:00 AM GMT+0530 | 0 Comment(s)

BRISBANE, Australia, Nov 15, 2014 (AFP) - Most of the world's powerhouse leaders arriving in Brisbane for the G20 summit headed in motorcades to relax at their luxury hotels, but not Angela Merkel who opted for the pub.

The German Chancellor -- leader of one of the world's biggest beer-producing nations -- was determined to see some of the Queensland capital before high-powered weekend talks on issues such as economic growth and tax evasion.

After jetting in mid-evening on Friday, she made an impromptu appearance at one of Brisbane's most popular pub strips, stopping by bars to shake hands and pose for selfies with locals.

Her down-to-earth appearance drew big cheers from pub-goers, according to the Brisbane Courier-Mail newspaper with locals taking to social media to offer praise.

"The sign of a true leader, mixing it up with the locals!" wrote Jan Green on Facebook.

Courier-Mail photographer Sarah Keayes, who was at the scene with friends, added: "She was in a great mood, she seemed to get a real buzz from the crowd, and took the time to say hello, and was all smiles."